At Kmart, which opens it doors at 6 a.m. Thursday, Black Friday began as soon as the newspaper carrier arrived toting a newspaper stuffed full of Thanksgiving Day sales ads. Some might spend hours shopping before Thanksgiving dinner is served, or they might not sit down for the traditional feast at all.

While many shoppers will enjoy the convenience of stores being open earlier and longer, others say Black Friday has encroached too far into family time and the Thanksgiving Day meal, let alone the football games.

Those shoppers who feel as such are encouraging other like-minded shoppers via Facebook and other social media sites to take the pledge: “Just say no to shopping on Thanksgiving!”

Rockford native Nicole Hinklin said she started shopping on Black Friday about six years ago. Thanksgiving evening was spent sorting through the Thanksgiving Day sales ads and making a Christmas list.

“It wasn’t until two years ago we actually thought about going out on Thanksgiving night,” she said. “Last year we tried it because we had to get up early that Friday to work, so being able to still do the tradition was helpful.”

Hinklin realizes others have to work to allow her to shop on Thanksgiving, but said, “You never know. They may have volunteered for that day/night to work because they need extra money or extra hours.”

Although shoppers will have nearly one less week of shopping this year with Thanksgiving falling so late in the month, the NRF expects November and December sales to marginally increase 3.9 percent to $602.1 billion, over 2012’s actual 3.5 percent holiday season sales growth. The forecast is higher than the 10-year average holiday sales growth of 3.3 percent.

Beth Black, 37, of Roscoe called Thanksgiving her favorite holiday, which is traditionally spent with extended family at her brother’s home in Rockford. That won’t change this year. Neither will her tradition of shopping on Black Friday with three childhood friends.

“This is the only day of the year we are all together,” she said. “We don’t start at 2 a.m. with the crazies, but usually around 9 a.m. after we eat a good breakfast. We casually shop all of the essential box stores in the Rockford area along with the mall.”

She said the day ends about 9 p.m. with her minivan packed full of great buys.

“We get to have a kid-free, husband-free day, and I get to catch up with some of my best, oldest girlfriends. What girl could ask for anything more?”

Here are tips for each camp: those braving crowded stores and the purists staying home to feast.

Going out?Make a list and check it twice: Make a plan before heading out to the stores. Compare prices in ads or online to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Safety first: Watch your personal belongings at all times including handbags and purchases. And store shopping bags out of sight in the car or trunk while inside shopping. It also helps to park near a light if you know you it will be dark by the time you are done. And pay attention to nearby security offices or officers in case of an emergency.

Think comfort: Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and walking on marble, concrete and tile. Pack some small snacks and a bottle of water, or plan on a lunch (or breakfast) stop.

Keep track: Store receipts for your own records and attach gift receipts to the packages right away in case there’s any need for a return or exchange.

Give back: Consider picking up a few extra items for toy and gift drives going on through December.

Staying in? Pigskin fans: Football-lovers can enjoy watching the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions facing off at 12:30 p.m. on WQRF-39. Then at 4:30 p.m., the Oakland Raiders take on the Dallas Cowboys on WIFR-23.

Parade: This morning the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will feature floats and entertainers on the streets of New York City. The parade will honor the 75th Anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” with a 47-foot hot air balloon featuring Dorothy and other characters from the classic film. It’s being broadcast on WREX-13 from 8 to 11 a.m. CST.

Health tip: Don’t skip meals earlier in the day and eat a massive amount at dinner. That’s a sure recipe for a stomach ache. Also, to avoid overeating at the dinner table, just take small portions of each of your favorite foods. And chew slowly.

Streamline clean-up: Make sure the dishwasher and trash cans are empty to prepare for the post-dinner rush. And have storage containers ready for packaging up leftovers.

Give back: Take time today to sign up for an upcoming holiday volunteer effort through the Salvation Army, United Way, American Red Cross or any other community or church organization.